Excellent review, sir! I have an '07 R171 '55 and I thoroughly enjoy it, goosebumps every day. As you say, quite happy to burble along in traffic but turns into a beast in sport or manual mode on the open road. I've been um'ing and ah'ing about upgrading to the 172 like yours but I think I still prefer the 171 styling, particularly the front. Now if only there was a mod for mine to do the downshift auto throttle blip... 🤣. Many thanks, from Cape Town, South Africa.
Hi, just found this video and clicked on it as I too own an R172 SLK 55. Ordered new in June /July 2015, to replace an R172 SLK 350, as I knew they were going out of production. Mine was delivered in the October and one of the last made / imported. One of only two made in Selenite grey metallic over Bengal red according to MB. I enjoy mine as much as you do by the sound of it. Just one point, the 'comfort' setting only alters the gearbox / exhaust valve / 4 cylinder settings, it doesn't alter the suspension / damper settings which are fixed.
Nice choice 👍 Yeah, ours is a September 2015 car but was final stock so couldn’t spec but was the colour I was after and came with a heafty discount, which was nice. The ride is particularly firm, wish it could be softened off a bit tbh. Otherwise great car. Thanks for tuning in 👋
Love videos about the R172 SLK55! Yours is just like mine but mine is 2014. So glad I got this instead of the SLC43. Great to hear your assessment on the car.
i think the same and in my opinion the 55 has to „die“ for the amg gt because when you compare the slk has 422 hp and 540 Nm and the gt 457 hp and 600 Nm so only 60 Nm and 37 hp more but costs more than the double of price than the slk. I think thats the real reason for to eliminate the 55,and we all together the 55 gourmets and owners can be really happy to own a very rare car,when my investigations was correct than he is more rare than a 300 SL take care gentlemen and have always a good drive.!
Thanks for a great update once again! I have the exact same 55, same color, mags, fit & finish etc except mine has a clock on the dash! Absolutely love it & will never part with it - Here in sunny Cape Town i always have the roof off, cruising around the mountain & vineyards on the weekend and getting the most out of life with my 55! The sheer joy of having the big V8 under the bonnet and the twin twice pipes at the rear is more than enough to make me feel superior to most on the road - with the exception of a 911 or Ferrari maybe🥰 Still turns a lot of heads that's for sure! Looking forwards to your next update.
You’ve got good taste 😉 The clock on the dash is a nice touch 👌 Just back from a lovely warm evening drive along the coast here, nothing better. Must be a very rare car in SA. Mine’s not going anywhere either, as much as I’d love an amg gt just couldn’t part with the slk. Next update coming soon 👍
Totally agree with your review. Nice to see you out in it and getting some miles in. You still should put an Xpipe on the exhaust - your perspective will be even more positive
Hear what you're saying, but every year that passes i'm becoming more and more obsessed with keeping it OEM tbh. And getting on now too so like the noises, but don't want it to be loud, if that makes sense 🤔
Good vid. I have one of these too and had the R171 version before it. Agree with most of what you said. Steering feel and handling with that big engine over the front is never going to be great but it's brutal in a straight line. Way more exciting than a Boxster! Gearbox is a fine automatic but not much good otherwise. Put the gearbox in sport and switch the traction to sport handling. Stomp on the throttle and just hang on!
Thanks for making these videos about the SLK. Very informative and well balanced, IMO. I'm seriously considering buying one of these soon (a Sept 2015 AMG with 11k on the clock) and found your channel whilst searching for common issues with the car - at my age I don't want to spend the thick end of 30 big ones on something that might become a money-pit! It sounds to me that you really haven't had anything serious go wrong, albeit with very little mileage on the clock. I also do very little mileage and just fancy getting one more V8 before (a) I get too old and (b) the bureaucrats ban 'em. After watching these videos, I am now better informed and can ask the right questions about the car when I go to view it in the next few days (especially regarding the performance pack). Anything else you wished you could have added to the spec but weren't able? Thanks, Rich
Hi Rich, only issue I’ve had has been a thermostat so check it gets up to temp ok and stays there. Otherwise the 172 seems pretty bulletproof. On a number of owners Facebook pages and you don’t really hear of any issues. It’s a heavy(ish) car so listen carefully for any creaking from the suspension or play in the bushes. The ride is firm but the steering should feel nice and sharp. The performance pack isn’t a deal breaker but would be nice. It was an expensive option, so quite rare. It’s only really the diff that you need from the whole pack and quaffe do a tried and tested upgrade nowadays anyway. Otherwise it comes with everything else. Air scarf is superb, make sure it has that, and don’t buy a red one, the red paint failed and many cars had to be resprayed. Try one and I bet you’ll come away laughing out loud, bonkers car, v. fast, all about that engine 👌
It's a beautiful car. You're right about struggling to get an equivalent (or a step up) - it would be silly money and probably less of a visceral experience given all of the modern comforts and "progress" of newer cars they seem to be inflicting on us.
Agree 100%. Its is all about the experience nowadays for me too. If you just want to go fast (which many people do), buy an EV, but if you want to go for a drive then you definitely don't want an EV.
Are these cars expensive to own? Do they require premium diesel if I was to buy the diesel version? Do they require oil differential changed etc sorry but I have no clue what is involved owning these
So I’ve been looking to move from my 2012 bmw m135i. It’s 3.0 i6 and is an unreal car to drive(manual too). I bought an slk200(r171) just as a little runabout, cost me £2000 and I’ve fallen in love! I’ve been looking for ages and the next car on the same level as the m135i would cost 30k+ but the slk200 has got me looking at slk55’s because it’s such a blast to drive!
Different drive the slk but the 55 does have a fabulous engine, much like the 135. Handles nicely, fantastic brakes and a smooth gearbox. Not as quick as a double clutch but much less jerky. Masses of power and torque + V8 😎
@@midlifemotors5050I have absolutely loved the M135i despite all the little problems I’ve had with it. But I’m looking forward to finding a clean 55 and test driving it! Only thing that’s putting me off is even with the 200, I’ve been approached and told I’m too young to own a car like it(even though it cost me pennies and I’m 25). So don’t want any extra negative interactions with the 55.
@@lewismith8784 Never too young for a V8 😉 Most people tell me I should have a Cayman, Alpine or something else, but there all too slow and quiet 🤣 The 55s seem pretty bulletproof. Never really hear of any woes on the owners forums. Just check the roof works fine, then check it again, then check it again. FSH is essential.
because of the 540Nm in C mode the car never uses the 1. gear in automatic. thats power. later models have a glas roof from factory, nice. the BMW Z8 had nearly the similar weight with 400 PS, the big Sl 500 nearly 2 tonns with 435 PS. so many 55 R 172 do not exist, built only from 2012 to 06/2015. the car is underated. please more from your car, thanks
I owned one of the better looking ones (with the "pinched nose") for 13 years and I traded it in for a new Z4. I regret it. The Z4 is waaaaaay more comfortable and is a joy to drive but the raw power and the great build quality of the slk55 are something I miss a lot. The Z4 handles better in corners as well, never felt the SLK was built well for that, although it wasn't too bad. The raw power of the merc was so epic. The turbo 6 on the Z4 is fun but not the same, not as satisfying. Plus, I think the slk55 was a beautiful-looking car. The "hairdresser" thing was surprising to me. Never understood that. The hardtop is also a great feature. It looked great up and down. The soft top on my Z4 is ok, but I think the earlier model with the hard top looked better. The SLK55 is a great car, just wish they didn't make it ride like a freakin cattle truck. I will get another one for sure. The power will put your kidney in the trunk. The 2010 SLK55 is the most beautiful and wicked car I ever had. I have owned Fieros, triumphs, a Cayman, Alpha Romeo Spyders (fun car) Miatas, lotus, and the overpriced garbage Pantera. This car was such a pleasure to own. If they made it handle like and ride like my Z4, it would have been a car that wen down as one of the best ever.
The front styling on the 171 was epic, wish they’d stuck with that design philosophy for the 172. Interior of Mercs were a bit naff back then though. Ours replaced a 981 S which in all measures is no doubt a better car but we sold up within a year because just didn’t get on with it. Good car, but so is a Golf. My best mate had an n/a 3.0 manual Z4. Superb drive, lovely power delivery and excellent gear ratios. Still a fairly firm ride though I’d say. I just couldn’t be without that engine. Our MX5 will handle miles sharper however #V8 😎
quaife make a helical diff for these things . Not an easy or impossible diy but if you have one of these cars it's essential . the difference it made to my r171 was like chalk and cheese
Yup, I’ve a friend with the quaife in a c63 and it does make a difference. As time goes by now though I’m more into keeping the car oem. Plus it’s not really driven that hard anyway, must be an age thing 😀
Wemyss Bay station is lovely isn’t it? Visited with my wife in her SL400 last time we were in Scotland. Just got my 13 plate 55 back from service and MoT at main dealer, 56k miles. I had an advisory on front disc wear so I think they’ll want doing next time. Re suspension, it’s not adjustable so just the same in C as in S or M. Other than that I think you’ve got the 55 experience pretty much spot on. After five years what would I replace it with? I can only think of a 2017+ SL500, I’m getting on a bit too and a bit more comfort and space would be nice and it’s a beautiful car. Also equivalent performance with 450bhp and nine speed box. But I’ll need to add £20K to change…… Keep the vids coming! TonyS
Thanks Tony 👍 Yes, cool station, and did you spot the Waverley passing behind the ferry?? No, me neither, until I watched it back 🤣 The SL is a lovely car, no doubt, but its a fair step up in terms of both size and ££. The only car that could tempt me out of mine is the AMG GT but not sure I want the extra financial burden tbh. The SLK just ticks so many boxes. Add the rarity and i'm quite looking forward to owning it in 10+ years time when it really will be a talking point.
Thanks for the video gentlemen. you can be sure that this car will come to a expensive classic in the future. see the new c63 4 cylinder or the soft top from the new SL and look at the prices from them. for my part i never will sell my one again,smile quietly and enjoy it and lets talk again after the next 8 years. take care
Nissan 350Z weighs 1540kg and Nissan 370Z Nismo 1575kg. So youll get extra weight with all the materials used including heavier doors and more tech. Its reasonable. Im considering a Cayman 981 S or this after a few months. Getting rid of my 370z
They do still look good those 370s you know. Shame we're not getting the new car. The merc and boxster are 2 very different cars. Just have to try them and see which you prefer. The F-Type is another good option too.
Less than 460 R172 SLK 55 AMG's left in the UK. Neil, f you did a search in your colour and the year you may find you have an even rarer model. For 2013 mine is 1 of 3 and there are very few more throughout the version.
Hmmmm, not sure tbh. Size wise fine, plenty of room in the seats/cabin. Height wise though probably not. I’m only 5’10 and the seat is almost touching the rear bulkhead, and when it does it squeaks!!
I had one for three years. Stunning performance. Had to sell it as the paint started to fall off. Don’t buy a red one (google it). I’m looking to buy another one (but not red).
Not everyone's cup of tea, but this one just ticks my boxes for some reason 🤔
Excellent review, sir! I have an '07 R171 '55 and I thoroughly enjoy it, goosebumps every day. As you say, quite happy to burble along in traffic but turns into a beast in sport or manual mode on the open road. I've been um'ing and ah'ing about upgrading to the 172 like yours but I think I still prefer the 171 styling, particularly the front. Now if only there was a mod for mine to do the downshift auto throttle blip... 🤣. Many thanks, from Cape Town, South Africa.
Hi, just found this video and clicked on it as I too own an R172 SLK 55. Ordered new in June /July 2015, to replace an R172 SLK 350, as I knew they were going out of production. Mine was delivered in the October and one of the last made / imported. One of only two made in Selenite grey metallic over Bengal red according to MB. I enjoy mine as much as you do by the sound of it. Just one point, the 'comfort' setting only alters the gearbox / exhaust valve / 4 cylinder settings, it doesn't alter the suspension / damper settings which are fixed.
Nice choice 👍 Yeah, ours is a September 2015 car but was final stock so couldn’t spec but was the colour I was after and came with a heafty discount, which was nice.
The ride is particularly firm, wish it could be softened off a bit tbh. Otherwise great car.
Thanks for tuning in 👋
Brilliant videos Neil, this is a very helpful and informative resource and thanks for taking the time to put them together.
No problem. Quite enjoy making them tbh 🤞
Love videos about the R172 SLK55! Yours is just like mine but mine is 2014. So glad I got this instead of the SLC43. Great to hear your assessment on the car.
The 43 is a nice car, but no, its not got the drama of the 55. You made the correct decision 😉😎
i think the same and in my opinion the 55 has to „die“ for the amg gt because when you compare the slk has 422 hp and 540 Nm and the gt 457 hp and 600 Nm so only 60 Nm and 37 hp more but costs more than the double of price than the slk.
I think thats the real reason for to eliminate the 55,and we all together the 55 gourmets and owners can be really happy to own a very rare car,when my investigations was correct than he is more rare than a 300 SL
take care gentlemen and have always a good drive.!
Nice review.
Keep hold of it if you can. It will appreciate in value for sure.
Many thanks 👍
It is a battle in these tough time but she's still here 😎
Thanks for a great update once again! I have the exact same 55, same color, mags, fit & finish etc except mine has a clock on the dash! Absolutely love it & will never part with it - Here in sunny Cape Town i always have the roof off, cruising around the mountain & vineyards on the weekend and getting the most out of life with my 55! The sheer joy of having the big V8 under the bonnet and the twin twice pipes at the rear is more than enough to make me feel superior to most on the road - with the exception of a 911 or Ferrari maybe🥰 Still turns a lot of heads that's for sure!
Looking forwards to your next update.
You’ve got good taste 😉 The clock on the dash is a nice touch 👌 Just back from a lovely warm evening drive along the coast here, nothing better. Must be a very rare car in SA. Mine’s not going anywhere either, as much as I’d love an amg gt just couldn’t part with the slk. Next update coming soon 👍
Correct pretty rare indeed - maybe one for every 50 M3 or Porche on the road here in CT. and that why I feel special driving it😊😊
8:23 now that’s a car park! Reminds of Naples, the Diego Maradona stadium, where the car park is literally behind the stadium seating 😂
Totally agree with your review. Nice to see you out in it and getting some miles in. You still should put an Xpipe on the exhaust - your perspective will be even more positive
Hear what you're saying, but every year that passes i'm becoming more and more obsessed with keeping it OEM tbh. And getting on now too so like the noises, but don't want it to be loud, if that makes sense 🤔
I know exactly what you mean about OEM but this helps the car for sure and isn't louder as such, it just sounds even better 😊
Those Amgs really do make such a beautifully dirty noise!
Oh yes 😎 Not quite as sharp as a 5 though
@@midlifemotors5050 very different tools! One could be used for crossing countries. The other not so much. That engine in a 5 though. .
@@simoncoli2314 No, way too big and heavy. What you need in a 5 is a lightweight 4 cylinder, with a TURBO 😎
Precisely !!!
Couldn't have described my outlook on my ANY better
!!!!!!!!!!!!
My hat's off
Good vid. I have one of these too and had the R171 version before it. Agree with most of what you said. Steering feel and handling with that big engine over the front is never going to be great but it's brutal in a straight line. Way more exciting than a Boxster! Gearbox is a fine automatic but not much good otherwise. Put the gearbox in sport and switch the traction to sport handling. Stomp on the throttle and just hang on!
Spot on 👍 You’ve summed it up in a couple of lines. Took me a 12 minute video 😄
Thanks for making these videos about the SLK. Very informative and well balanced, IMO.
I'm seriously considering buying one of these soon (a Sept 2015 AMG with 11k on the clock) and found your channel whilst searching for common issues with the car - at my age I don't want to spend the thick end of 30 big ones on something that might become a money-pit!
It sounds to me that you really haven't had anything serious go wrong, albeit with very little mileage on the clock. I also do very little mileage and just fancy getting one more V8 before (a) I get too old and (b) the bureaucrats ban 'em.
After watching these videos, I am now better informed and can ask the right questions about the car when I go to view it in the next few days (especially regarding the performance pack). Anything else you wished you could have added to the spec but weren't able?
Thanks, Rich
Hi Rich, only issue I’ve had has been a thermostat so check it gets up to temp ok and stays there. Otherwise the 172 seems pretty bulletproof. On a number of owners Facebook pages and you don’t really hear of any issues.
It’s a heavy(ish) car so listen carefully for any creaking from the suspension or play in the bushes. The ride is firm but the steering should feel nice and sharp.
The performance pack isn’t a deal breaker but would be nice. It was an expensive option, so quite rare. It’s only really the diff that you need from the whole pack and quaffe do a tried and tested upgrade nowadays anyway.
Otherwise it comes with everything else. Air scarf is superb, make sure it has that, and don’t buy a red one, the red paint failed and many cars had to be resprayed.
Try one and I bet you’ll come away laughing out loud, bonkers car, v. fast, all about that engine 👌
@@midlifemotors5050 Thanks. Very useful info.
It's a beautiful car. You're right about struggling to get an equivalent (or a step up) - it would be silly money and probably less of a visceral experience given all of the modern comforts and "progress" of newer cars they seem to be inflicting on us.
Agree 100%. Its is all about the experience nowadays for me too. If you just want to go fast (which many people do), buy an EV, but if you want to go for a drive then you definitely don't want an EV.
¡ Violã !
Good job! Short to the point!
Many thanks 🙏
I had a 250cdi, and was a very enjoyable car, lots of toque too.
Yup, torque monster that engine 😎
Are these cars expensive to own? Do they require premium diesel if I was to buy the diesel version? Do they require oil differential changed etc sorry but I have no clue what is involved owning these
So I’ve been looking to move from my 2012 bmw m135i. It’s 3.0 i6 and is an unreal car to drive(manual too). I bought an slk200(r171) just as a little runabout, cost me £2000 and I’ve fallen in love! I’ve been looking for ages and the next car on the same level as the m135i would cost 30k+ but the slk200 has got me looking at slk55’s because it’s such a blast to drive!
Different drive the slk but the 55 does have a fabulous engine, much like the 135. Handles nicely, fantastic brakes and a smooth gearbox. Not as quick as a double clutch but much less jerky.
Masses of power and torque + V8 😎
@@midlifemotors5050I have absolutely loved the M135i despite all the little problems I’ve had with it. But I’m looking forward to finding a clean 55 and test driving it! Only thing that’s putting me off is even with the 200, I’ve been approached and told I’m too young to own a car like it(even though it cost me pennies and I’m 25). So don’t want any extra negative interactions with the 55.
@@lewismith8784 Never too young for a V8 😉 Most people tell me I should have a Cayman, Alpine or something else, but there all too slow and quiet 🤣
The 55s seem pretty bulletproof. Never really hear of any woes on the owners forums. Just check the roof works fine, then check it again, then check it again. FSH is essential.
@@midlifemotors5050really appreciate the advice mate! Do absolutely love the community for slk’s too, slkworld has been fantastic!
@@lewismith8784 if you do get one the slk55owners Facebook group is brilliant for advice and money saving discounts, etc 👍
because of the 540Nm in C mode the car never uses the 1. gear in automatic. thats power. later models have a glas roof from factory, nice. the BMW Z8 had nearly the similar weight with 400 PS, the big Sl 500 nearly 2 tonns with 435 PS. so many 55 R 172 do not exist, built only from 2012 to 06/2015. the car is underated. please more from your car, thanks
Great info 👍 It is a rare car, which is nice. Mine is 08/15 car, so one of the last registered in the U.K. Thanks for watching
I owned one of the better looking ones (with the "pinched nose") for 13 years and I traded it in for a new Z4. I regret it. The Z4 is waaaaaay more comfortable and is a joy to drive but the raw power and the great build quality of the slk55 are something I miss a lot. The Z4 handles better in corners as well, never felt the SLK was built well for that, although it wasn't too bad. The raw power of the merc was so epic. The turbo 6 on the Z4 is fun but not the same, not as satisfying. Plus, I think the slk55 was a beautiful-looking car. The "hairdresser" thing was surprising to me. Never understood that. The hardtop is also a great feature. It looked great up and down. The soft top on my Z4 is ok, but I think the earlier model with the hard top looked better. The SLK55 is a great car, just wish they didn't make it ride like a freakin cattle truck. I will get another one for sure. The power will put your kidney in the trunk. The 2010 SLK55 is the most beautiful and wicked car I ever had. I have owned Fieros, triumphs, a Cayman, Alpha Romeo Spyders (fun car) Miatas, lotus, and the overpriced garbage Pantera. This car was such a pleasure to own. If they made it handle like and ride like my Z4, it would have been a car that wen down as one of the best ever.
The front styling on the 171 was epic, wish they’d stuck with that design philosophy for the 172. Interior of Mercs were a bit naff back then though.
Ours replaced a 981 S which in all measures is no doubt a better car but we sold up within a year because just didn’t get on with it. Good car, but so is a Golf.
My best mate had an n/a 3.0 manual Z4. Superb drive, lovely power delivery and excellent gear ratios. Still a fairly firm ride though I’d say.
I just couldn’t be without that engine. Our MX5 will handle miles sharper however #V8 😎
Fantastic car, and great review
Many thanks 👍 Glad you enjoyed it 😀
quaife make a helical diff for these things . Not an easy or impossible diy but if you have one of these cars it's essential . the difference it made to my r171 was like chalk and cheese
Yup, I’ve a friend with the quaife in a c63 and it does make a difference. As time goes by now though I’m more into keeping the car oem. Plus it’s not really driven that hard anyway, must be an age thing 😀
Wemyss Bay station is lovely isn’t it? Visited with my wife in her SL400 last time we were in Scotland.
Just got my 13 plate 55 back from service and MoT at main dealer, 56k miles. I had an advisory on front disc wear so I think they’ll want doing next time. Re suspension, it’s not adjustable so just the same in C as in S or M. Other than that I think you’ve got the 55 experience pretty much spot on. After five years what would I replace it with? I can only think of a 2017+ SL500, I’m getting on a bit too and a bit more comfort and space would be nice and it’s a beautiful car. Also equivalent performance with 450bhp and nine speed box. But I’ll need to add £20K to change……
Keep the vids coming! TonyS
Thanks Tony 👍 Yes, cool station, and did you spot the Waverley passing behind the ferry?? No, me neither, until I watched it back 🤣
The SL is a lovely car, no doubt, but its a fair step up in terms of both size and ££. The only car that could tempt me out of mine is the AMG GT but not sure I want the extra financial burden tbh. The SLK just ticks so many boxes. Add the rarity and i'm quite looking forward to owning it in 10+ years time when it really will be a talking point.
Thanks for the video gentlemen.
you can be sure that this car will come to a expensive classic in the future.
see the new c63 4 cylinder or the soft top from the new SL and look at the prices from them.
for my part i never will sell my one again,smile quietly and enjoy it and lets talk again after the next 8 years.
take care
Agree 100%, makes complete sense 👍But keep in touch - 8 years is a long time!!
Absolutely..!!👍🏼👍🏼we keep in touch
@@thomyg425 👍
At one day we should do a 55 meeting in Stuttgart🙂
Nissan 350Z weighs 1540kg and Nissan 370Z Nismo 1575kg. So youll get extra weight with all the materials used including heavier doors and more tech. Its reasonable. Im considering a Cayman 981 S or this after a few months. Getting rid of my 370z
They do still look good those 370s you know. Shame we're not getting the new car. The merc and boxster are 2 very different cars. Just have to try them and see which you prefer. The F-Type is another good option too.
Less than 460 R172 SLK 55 AMG's left in the UK. Neil, f you did a search in your colour and the year you may find you have an even rarer model. For 2013 mine is 1 of 3 and there are very few more throughout the version.
The rarity is definitely a big plus for me tbh. Wonder what it’ll be like in another 8 years??
How many miles you do a year?
Not many tbh. 8 years old, 9,000 miles total 😮
Would anyone be able to tell me if i fit in one? Im 6"6 and around 20 stone
Hmmmm, not sure tbh. Size wise fine, plenty of room in the seats/cabin. Height wise though probably not. I’m only 5’10 and the seat is almost touching the rear bulkhead, and when it does it squeaks!!
no chance, sadly
I love my 55
👍
I had one for three years. Stunning performance. Had to sell it as the paint started to fall off. Don’t buy a red one (google it). I’m looking to buy another one (but not red).
Yeah the red was a nightmare, heard of people having to get full resprays 🙁 Not good, feel your pain !!
😃 Great video and I very much like your review on it. Really envy you. 😊 I just love it when seeing people enjoying their cars.
💯🫵🏼👍🏼🫡👊🏼✌🏼🇳🇱
Many thanks 👍 Not everyone’s cup of tea but for some reason this car just ticks all the right boxes for me 😀